Erik's Dance Biography

Erik Novoa is nationally top-ranked West Coast Swing and Hustle dancer, who made it through 3 rounds of auditions to appear on the televised revival of Dance Fever in 2003. He has also appeared on the "Today Show" where he took First Place in a televised hustle contest. In the past years, Erik has won 1st Place in the Professional Classic division at Mid Atlantic Dance Jam in Baltimore, Pacific Hustle & Salsa Dance Classic in San Francisco and Hustle USA in New Jersey. In the summer of 2004 and 2009, Erik was the guest teacher for over 500 people at Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center featuring the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. He is the only West Coast Swing instructor in the world to have taught at the prestigious Steps on Broadway (2003) and The Ailey Extension (2012).

Achievement with Students

From 2008-2013, Erik and his wife, Anna, choreographed West Coast Swing & Hustle routines for their Connecticut group. These routines were featured at the Crystal Theater in Norwalk, CT and at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York (2011, 2012, 2013). This was the first time any West Coast Swing and Hustle student-group has ever performed on a professional theater stage in the United States.

Promo Pictures

Student Testimonials

April 2013 - West Coast Swing Beginner Videos viewed from Italy

Hi Anna and Erik, I am writing from Genoa, Italy.

I 'm 40 years old and dancing Salsa since 5-6 years. I recently felt in love with West Coast Swing together with a girl dancing with me every week at our Salsa class. Unfortunately, here in Italy the West CoastSwing is still not so popular , so we decided to learn something by ourselves. We did use your youtube videos to start this beautiful dance (from WCS 01 to WCS 10). From all videos we have seen on the internet , yours are the best !!The most comprehensive and easy to follow for us , beginners of West Coast. Also, even if you are professionals, you look like two very simple persons with such a dedication for teaching !!

I wanted to ask if, beside the youtube videos, is there any other material available to continue learning this wonderfuldance from you ? Very strange that while living in Italy .... we learn the west coast in Connecticut , but this is the magic of the Internet!

From ITALY a big THANK YOU for the passion you put into what you teach !!,Luca

March 2013 - Platinum Party in NYC

I really appreciate that a dancer of your level takes the time to dance with a beginner like me. It's truly a highlight of coming to your socials. You make it a fun and friendly environment. It's really nice to be able to relax and dance with such good dancers without being judged or looked down on for being a newbie to the scene. Xoxo, Laura

Teaching Experience

In February 2012, Erik and Anna Novoa were invited to teach two beginner master-classes at The Ailey Extension - the adult dance wing of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Attendees ranged from first time dancers, who had no prior experience to working-professional dancers. This was the first time that any West Coast Swing professional had ever taught at the Ailey Extension.

In October 2010, Erik & Anna were invited to teach a two-day West Coast Coast Swing Intensive at Oberlin College. During this weekend long event, over 100 students were taught lessons from the basic level to the advanced level. By the end of the weekend, students were dancing West Coast Swing with each other.

In July of 2009, Erik & Anna taught for over 500 people at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing for the performance of the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Erik was personally requested by the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy based upon his instruction during their last visit 4 years prior.

Competive Placements

Find out about how Erik has done during the years on the competition circuit. Erik is one of the few dancers to be nationally recognized in both West Coast Swing and Hustle. During the last decade of dancing, there have been many accompishements.

Erik's History

I was born on June 3, 1973 in New York City to two performing artists. My mother was a ballet dancer with New York City Opera Ballet and my father was principal tenor with New York City Opera. Since my parents met during a production of Carmen at New York State Theater (Lincoln Center), some might say that I am a product of an opera.